What does Genesis 22:1 Mean?

Study Notes

And it came to pass
The spiritual experience of Abraham was marked by four great crises, each of which involved a surrender of something naturally most dear. These were:

(1) Country and kindred Genesis 12:1 ; Matthew 10:34-39 ; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

(2) His nephew, Lot; especially dear to Abraham by nature, as a possible heir and as a fellow believer 2 Peter 2:7 ; 2 Peter 2:8 ; Genesis 13:1-18 . The completeness of Abraham's separation from one who, though a believer, was a "vessel unto dishonour," is shown by; Genesis 15:1-3 ; 2 Timothy 2:20 ; 2 Timothy 2:21 ; Acts 15:36-40 .

(3) His own plan about Ishmael Genesis 17:17 ; Genesis 17:18 ; 1 Chronicles 13:1-14 ; 1 Chronicles 15:1 ; 1 Chronicles 15:2 .

(4) Isaac, "thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest" Genesis 22:1-19 ; Hebrews 11:17 ; Hebrews 11:18 .

Context Summary

Faith must be proved. Only in trial does she put forth her strength or dare the impossible. Satan tempts to bring forth the bad, God to call forth into exercise our highest and best. God went every step of the way with His servant, who was called into closer fellowship with himself than any other of the human race. Moriah was a miniature of Calvary, where God spared not His only Son. Abraham's obedience was immediate. He arose early in the morning. It was exact. It was performed in the spirit of worship. It was contagious, for Isaac used the same expression to his father, as he to God-"Here am I." Apparently he had no need to acquaint Sarah with the object of his journey; he was so sure that the divine promise could not fail. He said to his young men, "We will come unto you." If it were necessary, he knew that God would raise him from the dead. See Hebrews 11:19. Isaac asked, "Where is the lamb?" John the Baptist answered in John 1:29. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 22

¹  Abraham is tested with the command to offer Isaac
³  He gives proof of his faith and obedience
¹¹  The angel prevents him
¹³  Isaac is exchanged for a ram
¹⁴  The place is called Jehovah-jireh
¹⁵  Abraham is again blessed
²⁰  The generations of Nahor unto Rebekah